Mercedes F1 Changes Tune, Says It Is Open To Engine Deal With Red Bull

F1 teams Red Bull and Mercedes "appear to be closing in on an engine deal," according to GRAND PRIX. Earlier, "a collaboration between the arch-enemies appeared impossible," but Mercedes Exec Dir Toto Wolff is "no longer ruling it out." He said, "If we think about the long term, we must discuss the pros and cons rather than just wipe the issue from the table." He also said, "We need to find a balance between pure egoism and the welfare of the sport." As Red Bull's "relationship with current engine partner Renault crumbles," F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone "has gone on the record to admit he hopes the French carmaker buys struggling Lotus." Until then, however, Wolff said he is "staying out of the Red Bull-Renault spat." He insisted, "We respect that agreement. Therefore, there are no negotiations between Red Bull and us" (GRAND PRIX, 8/17).